New York Gov. George Pataki opens his reelection year with a 2 -1 lead over either likely
Democratic challenger, but his approval rating has slipped from its record high, according to a
Quinnipiac University poll released today.

The Governor has a 70 - 16 percent approval rating, down from his record 78 - 12
percent approval in a November 14, 2001, poll by the independent Quinnipiac University.

In a Democratic primary, Cuomo and McCall are tied at 38 percent each, with 20
percent undecided. In the November 14 poll, Cuomo topped McCall 37 - 29 percent, with 30
percent undecided.

From January 14 - 21, Quinnipiac University surveyed 893 New York State registered
voters, with a margin of error of +/- 3.3 percent. The survey includes 359 registered
Democrats with a margin of error of +/- 5.2 percent.

"Gov. Pataki, first elected as the ABC - Anybody But Cuomo - candidate, is now highly
regarded with a 2 -1 lead over either challenger. His stratospheric post-September 11 approval
rating has slipped, but it is still a very high 70 percent," said Maurice Carroll, director of the
Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"Comptroller H. Carl McCall has closed the gap with former federal Housing Secretary
Andrew Cuomo," Carroll added. "They're neck and neck any way we look at it."

A tough Democratic primary campaign will strengthen the party, 45 percent of registered
Democrats said, while 31 percent say it will weaken the party, with 22 percent undecided.

If McCall and Cuomo could agree to run on a Governor-Lt. Governor ticket, 39 percent
of Democrats say Cuomo should get the top slot, while 38 percent say McCall should lead.

Pataki has a 50 - 9 percent favorability rating, with 27 percent mixed and 14 percent
saying they don't know enough to form an opinion. Favorability ratings for the challengers are:

Their local economy is "good," 34 percent of upstaters say, while 3 percent say it is
"excellent;" 37 percent say it is "not so good," and 25 percent say it is "poor." The local
economy will get better in the next year, 23 percent of upstaters say, while 15 percent say it
will get worse and 61 percent say it will stay the same.

In New York City, 32 percent say the economy is "good," while 4 percent say it is
excellent;" 44 percent say it is "not so good," and 16 percent say it is poor." The city's
economy will get better, 37 percent say, while 10 percent say it will get worse and 49 percent
say it will stay the same.

In the suburbs, the economy is "good," 53 percent of voters say, while 4 percent say it is
"excellent;" 32 percent say it is "not so good," and 11 percent say it is "poor." The suburban
economy will get better, 25 percent of voters say, while 16 percent say it will get worse and 57
percent say it will stay the same.

"Upstate and New York City voters are worried about their local economy and their
personal finances, while suburban voters feel better," Carroll said.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public
opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and nationwide as a public service and
for research.

For additional data -- www.quinnipiac.edu or call (203) 582-5201

1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way George Pataki is handling his job
as Governor?

11. (If registered Democrat ask:) If the Democratic Primary for Governor
were being held today and the candidates were H.Carl McCall and Andrew Cuomo,
for whom would you vote?

Reg Democrats

McCall 38%
Cuomo 38

SMONE ELSE(VOL) 1
WLDN'T VOTE(VOL) 3
DK/NA 20

12. (If registered Democrat ask:) Do you think that a tough Democratic primary
campaign for governor between H. Carl McCall and Andrew Cuomo will strengthen or
weaken the Democratic party in New York State?

Reg Democrats

Strengthen 45%
Weaken 31
NO DIFF(VOL) 2
DK/NA 22

13. (If registered Democrat ask:) Some have suggested that to avoid a tough
Democratic primary campaign McCall and Cuomo should run on the same ticket. If you
had to choose, would you prefer a Democratic ticket with Andrew Cuomo for Governor
and H.Carl McCall for Lieutenant Governor or a Democratic ticket with H.Carl McCall
for Governor and Andrew Cuomo for Lieutenant Governor?

Reg Democrats

Cuomo/McCall 39%
McCall/Cuomo 38
DK/NA 23

16. Would you describe the state of the nation's economy these days as:
Excellent, good, not so good, or poor?